#FOAMtox

Welcome to the next Tox Card. Today we discuss CIWA score limitations.

Welcome to the second Tox Card. Today we give you the down and dirty on the CIWA-Ar score for alcohol withdrawal.

emDocs is proud to introduce the new Tox Cards series! This will be a series of short posts that function as key points on toxicologic issues. Today’s post: narcan (naloxone) use in the ED.

Hydrofluoric acid…We have heard of the dangers of this toxic acid, but many have not evaluated and managed patients with HF exposure. This post details a case, followed by pearls and pitfalls in the pathophysiology, types of exposure, evaluation, and management of HF exposure.

The brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, is a spider known for the potential to cause serious wounds. The spider is found in North America primarily, often hiding in man-made structures. The poison contains a myriad of toxins including metalloproteinases, hyaluronidases, insecticidal peptides, deoxyribonucleases, and alkaline phosphatase. Most bites heal without issue; however, this post details the course of a bite causing significant morbidity.

“Poison is in everything, and no thing is without poison. The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy.”
– Paracelsus

Toxicology is an ever-growing field. Staying up to date can be difficult, but FOAMed comes to the rescue again! Welcome to Part IV of the FOAMed Resource Series.

Drug abuse, whether of illicit or prescription drugs, is currently an epidemic. Patients may go into withdrawal, which can be dangerous. This is the second of a two-part series covering withdrawal states. Our first post evaluated the diagnosis and management of alcohol withdrawal. Today’s will cover opioids, benzos, cocaine, amphetamines, and caffeine.